The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins, Second Edition (Facts on File Writer's Library)
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.94 (782 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0816040885 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 768 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 0000-00-00 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
While it is a terrifically useful reference work, it is nearly impossible to keep one's eyes from wandering, more so than with any other work of its kind. Seemingly designed for those with laser-focused attention or plenty of time on their hands, the Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins provides days of browsing for etymophiles. --Rob Lightner. Still, a few extra minutes spent in the company of good words and good stories makes the Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins as pleasurable as it is useful. More than 9,000 entries, nearly a quarter
From the origins of words and phrases to the meanings of literary terms, the collection provides comprehensive information in a clear, accessible style that is sure to satisfy researchers and browsers alike. These books will be reached for again and again.This entertaining compendium traces the origins and development of more than 9,000 words and phrases, including slang, proverbs, animal and plant names, place names, nicknames, historical expressions, foreign-language expressions, and phrases from literature.. The Facts On File Writer's Library includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other indispensable resources for writers, students, and serious readers
"Now in an updated and expanded fourth edition" according to Midwest Book Review. Now in an updated and expanded fourth edition, The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins is a massive reference jam-packed with definitions and origins of more than 15,000 words and expressions. From "all gussied up" to "zoot suit", each entry offers plain, no-nonsense information about the history and usage of each phrase (or the best known theories of the phrase's origin). Highly recommended especially for public library reference collections. "Zombie was originally the snake god worshiped in West Indian voodoo ceremonies based upon the worship of the python god in West Africa. Since dead people were said to be broug. "Missing many common phrases" according to Paul. I got this book based on some of the reviews I read and there are indeed many good entries. But there are so many more missing entries that are far more common than what it is listed.Some of the entries I have looked for and NOT found:Tomfoolerycan't have your cake and eat it toocan't see the forest for the treesdog and pony showin the doghousewith bells onhard-nosedslowpokewisecrackOr in the case of "high noon" it has an entry but just says that it is not from the movie, it was first recorded in 1Missing many common phrases Paul I got this book based on some of the reviews I read and there are indeed many good entries. But there are so many more missing entries that are far more common than what it is listed.Some of the entries I have looked for and NOT found:Tomfoolerycan't have your cake and eat it toocan't see the forest for the treesdog and pony showin the doghousewith bells onhard-nosedslowpokewisecrackOr in the case of "high noon" it has an entry but just says that it is not from the movie, it was first recorded in 14th-century England. No further explaination of how or why. In fact many of the entries that are listed don't have that answer. A large per. th-century England. No further explaination of how or why. In fact many of the entries that are listed don't have that answer. A large per. A Good Start I enjoy reading the entries in this book. It is perhaps my favorite etymological source, and far more interesting reading than the O.E.D The difficulty I have is that despite the other excellent works by the author, this one seems merely a work in progress, a bit removed from the vernacular. I have sought many confusing common-place expressions without discovering their origin in this book. A good system should be set forth for inquiries, which will enhance the book in the future. The simple site is burdensome to use, and suggests no means to contact the author directly.Only one example of omission comes to mind at present (I haven't